Firearm Magazine

ABSTRACT

A firearm magazine including a magazine body and a base plate. The magazine body has a lip at an end of the body. The base plate includes at least one moveable latch that is configured to engage with the lip to couple the base plate to the magazine body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Application Ser. No. 62/644,851, filed on Mar. 19, 2018, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to firearm components.

BACKGROUND

Firearm magazines store ammunition cartridges for use in a repeating firearm. Magazines feed the cartridges into the firearm's chamber by positioning cartridges so they can be loaded into the chamber by the firearm's action.

Magazines are commonly disassembled by the user from time to time for maintenance. For example, magazine maintenance such as cleaning and spring replacement can require disassembly of the magazine. Magazines are commonly disassembled by removing a base plate. However, traditional magazine base plates can be difficult to remove and often require the use of a tool to remove the base plate.

SUMMARY

Implementations of the present disclosure are generally directed to a firearm magazine with a removable base plate. More specifically, implementations of the present disclosure are directed to a firearm magazine with a base plate that is removable by hand without requiring the use of a tool. Other implementations of the present disclosure are directed to a removable base plate for a firearm magazine where the base plate is configured to be removable by hand without requiring the use of a tool.

In one general aspect, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a firearm magazine that includes a magazine body and a base plate. The magazine body has a lip at an end of the body. The base plate includes at least one moveable latch that is configured to engage with the lip to couple the base plate to the magazine body.

In another general aspect, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a base plate for a firearm magazine. The base plate includes at least one moveable latch that is configured to engage with a lip on an end of a magazine body to couple the base plate to the magazine body.

These and other implementations can each optionally include one or more of the following features.

In some implementations, the base plate includes two movable latches, each configured to engage with a respective lip on the magazine body.

In some implementations, the magazine base plate includes a spring arranged to bias a coupling portion of the latch into engagement with the lip. In some implementations, the spring is disposed between a portion of the latch and an inner surface of the base plate.

In some implementations, the latch is configured to pivot about a pin to engage and disengage with the lip.

In some implementations, the lip is a flange extending from a bottom end of the magazine body.

In some implementations, a portion of the magazine body is disposed within a cavity defined by a wall of the base plate with the base plate coupled to the magazine body.

In some implementations, the base plate includes a wall that defines a cavity, where the end of the magazine body is disposed within the cavity with the base plate coupled to the magazine body. In some implementations, the latch is coupled to the wall.

In some implementations, the base plate is configured to extend a cartridge capacity of the magazine.

In yet another general aspect, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a firearm magazine that includes a magazine body and a base plate. The magazine body has a lip at an end of the body. The base plate includes means for coupling the base plate to the magazine body by releasably engaging with the lip.

In another general aspect, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a base plate for a firearm magazine that includes means for coupling the base plate to a magazine body, where the means are configured to releasably engage with a lip on an end of the magazine body.

These and other implementations can each optionally include one or more of the following features.

In some implementations, the magazine base plate includes a spring arranged to bias the means for coupling the base plate to the magazine body into engagement with the lip.

In some implementations, the means for coupling the base plate to the magazine body is configured to pivot about an axis to engage and disengage with the lip.

In some implementations, the lip is a flange extending from a bottom end of the magazine body.

In some implementations, a portion of the magazine body is disposed within a cavity defined by a wall of the base plate with the base plate coupled to the magazine body.

In some implementations, the base plate includes a wall that defines a cavity, where the end of the magazine body is disposed within the cavity with the base plate coupled to the magazine body. In some implementations, the means for coupling the base plate to the magazine body is coupled to the wall.

In some implementations, the base plate is configured to extend a cartridge capacity of the magazine.

In yet another general aspect, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a method of disassembling a firearm magazine. The method includes moving a latch on a magazine base plate to decouple the base plate from a magazine body, where the latch is configured to engage with a lip on an end of the magazine body to couple the base plate to the magazine body. The method includes removing the base plate from the magazine body. In some implementations, moving the latch includes applying a force to an end of the latch to pivot the latch. In some implementations, pivoting the latch causes a second end of the latch to disengage with the lip. In some implementations, the method includes removing a magazine spring and a magazine follower.

In yet another general aspect, the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in a method of assembling the firearm magazine. The method includes pushing a base plate onto the magazine body until a latch on the baseplate engages a lip on an end of the magazine body, where the latch is configured to engage with the lip to couple the base plate to the magazine body.

The concepts described herein may provide several advantages. For example, implementations of the invention may provide a firearm magazine that can be easily disassembled by hand without the use of tools. Implementations may expand the cartridge capacity of a magazine.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a lower portion of an example firearm magazine according to implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts cross-sectional view of the firearm magazine of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an example magazine base plate according to implementations of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of the base plate FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view and a side view of an example latch for a magazine base plate according to another implementation of the present disclosure.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Implementations of the present disclosure are generally directed to a firearm magazine. The magazine includes a removable base plate for disassembly of the magazine. The magazine base plate is configured to be removable by hand without requiring the use of a tool. In some implementations, the base plate includes two latches on either side of the base plate that engage with a lip on the magazine body to couple the base plate to the magazine body. In such implementations, the base plate can be removed by depressing one end of each of the latches to pivot an opposite end of the latch away from the lip. This disengages the latches from the lip, thereby decoupling the base plate from the magazine body.

FIGS. 1-4 depict various views of an example firearm magazine 100 and a base plate 104 for a firearm magazine in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure. Magazine 100 is depicted as a handgun magazine. However, the features discussed herein can be implemented on magazines designed for other types of firearms as well (e.g., rifle magazines and shotgun magazines).

Magazine 100 includes a body 102 and a base plate 104. Base plate 104 is coupled to one end (e.g., a bottom end) of body 102. As depicted in the illustrated example, base plate 104 includes two latches 106. Furthermore, base plate 104 includes sidewalls 208. Magazine body 102 is inserted within a cavity defined by the sidewalls 208. When base plate 104 is attached to magazine body 102, a bottom edge of the magazine body 102 rests on an inner surface 212 of the base plate 104 inside the cavity formed by the sidewalls 208.

The magazine body 102 can be made from metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.) or a polymer material. The base plate 104 can be made from metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.) or a polymer material. Latches 106 can be made from metal (e.g., aluminum, steel, etc.) or a polymer material.

Latches 106 are configured to couple with a lip 202 on the magazine body 102 to attach the base plate 104 to the magazine body 102. For example, latches 106 are attached to sidewalls 208 of the base plate 104. Latch 106 is arranged with respect to the sidewall 208 so that the upper end 204 of latch 106 is accessible to a user. For example, an upper end 204 of latch 106 extends above an edge of a sidewall 208. A lower end 205 of latch 106 engages with the lip 202 on magazine body 102. More specifically, in the depicted implementation, lower end 205 of latch 106 engages with lip 202 to secure the lip between the latch and the inner surface 212 of the base plate 104.

In some examples, the latches 106 can be attached to the sidewalls 208 in a configuration that permits each latch to pivot about an axis. For example, each latch 106 can pivot about the axis to engage and disengage with the lip 202. For example, each latch 106 can be attached to the sidewall by a pin 214 that serves as a hinge for the latch 106. In such implementations, each latch 106 can pivot about the pin 214. For example, the latches 106 can pivot about the pin 214 to engage and disengage with the lip 202.

In some implementations, base plate 104 includes a spring 206 disposed between each latch 106 and a respective inner surfaces of the base plate 104. For example, a spring 206 can be disposed between an inner surface of the sidewalls 208 and the lower end 205 of each latch 106. The spring 206 can be arranged to bias the lower end 205 of a latch into engagement with lip 202. The spring 206 can be any appropriate type of spring (e.g., a compression spring, torsion spring, a leaf spring, etc.). In some implementations, the spring 206 can be integral with the latch 106. For example, the spring and latch can be made from a metal or polymer (e.g., plastic). In some implementations, the spring can be a plastic leaf spring molded to a surface of the latch 106.

In some implementations, base plate 104 includes only one latch 106. In some implementations, base plate 104 includes more than one latch 106 (e.g., two latches). In some implementations, latches 106 are positioned on opposite sides of the base plate 104 (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3). In some implementations, latches 106 can be positioned on the front and back of the base plate 104.

In some implementations, base plate 104 can be configured to extend the cartridge capacity of a magazine. For example, base plate 104 can include a recess 210 in a bottom surface. The recess 210 may permit additional cartridges to be placed in a magazine by increasing the distance along which a magazine spring (not shown) is compressed. The recess 210 also increases the interior volume of a magazine, with the base plate 104 attached.

In some implementations, base plate 104 can be configured to reduce the cartridge capacity of a magazine. For example, base plate 104 can include a protrusion (e.g., in place of recess 210) that extends from a bottom surface of the base plate 104 into the magazine body 102. The protrusion reduces the total number of cartridges that can fit in a magazine by reducing the distance along which a magazine spring and follower can move within the magazine body 102. The protrusion also decreases the interior volume of a magazine, with the base plate 104 attached.

In some implementations, lip 202 can be formed as a flange that extends completely or partially around the magazine body 102. In some implementations, as shown in FIG. 5, the lip 202 a can be a lip of a hole through a surface of the magazine body 102.

FIG. 5 illustrates another example implementation of a latch 106 a. Latch 106 a includes a protrusion 502 extending from a surface at the bottom end. Latch 106 a engages with a lip 202 a formed from a hole 504 in a side surface of a magazine body 102 a. The engagement between protrusion 502 and lip 202 a secures a base plate (to which latch 106 a is attached) to a magazine body.

A firearm magazine according to any of the implementations disclosed herein can be disassembled by hand without the use of a tool. The base plate can be removed by moving the latch to decouple the base plate from the magazine body. For example, the latch can be moved by applying a force to an end of the latch to pivot the latch. Pivoting the latch can cause the latch to disengage from a lip of the magazine body. The base plate can be removed from the magazine body once the latch is disengaged from the lip. The magazine can be further disassembled by removing a magazine spring (not shown) and a magazine follower (not shown).

The magazine can be assembled by aligning the bottom end of the magazine body with the cavity in the base plate. The base plate is attached to the magazine body by pushing the base plate over the bottom of the magazine body until the latches engage with the lip.

As used herein, the terms “orthogonal” or “substantially orthogonal” refer to a relation between two elements (e.g., lines, axes, planes, surfaces, or components) that form a ninety degrees (perpendicular) angle within acceptable engineering, machining, or measurement tolerances. For example, two surfaces can be considered orthogonal to each other if the angle between the surfaces is within an acceptable tolerance of ninety degrees (e.g., ±1-2 degrees).

As used herein, the terms “aligned,” “substantially aligned,” “parallel,” “substantially parallel,” “flush,” or “substantially flush” refer to a relation between two elements (e.g., lines, axes, planes, surfaces, or components) as being oriented generally along the same direction within acceptable engineering, machining, drawing measurement, or part size tolerances such that the elements do not intersect or intersect at a minimal angle. For example, two surfaces can be considered aligned with each other if surfaces extend along the same general direction of a device. Similarly, two surfaces can be considered to be flush or substantially flush if both surfaces generally lie within the same plane, but may a slight offset that is within acceptable tolerances may still exist between the surfaces.

As used herein, terms describing relative directions or orientations (e.g., front, back/rear, distal, proximate, top/upper, bottom/lower) of various elements are used in reference to the perspective of a user holding a firearm. Thus, for example, the distal/front edge or surface of a component refers to that edge or surface of the component that is nearest or facing the muzzle of the firearm when the component is properly installed in the firearm. Similarly, for example, the back/proximate edge or surface of a component refers to that edge or surface of the component that is farthest from or facing away from the muzzle of the firearm when the component is properly installed in the firearm. Likewise, for example, the top/upper edge or surface of a component refers to that edge or surface of the component that is nearest or facing the top of the firearm when the component is properly installed in the firearm and the firearm is held in a normal firing position. Finally, for example, the bottom/lower edge or surface of a component refers to that edge or surface of the component that is nearest or facing the bottom of the firearm when the component is properly installed in the firearm and the firearm is held in a normal firing position.

While a number of examples have been described for illustration purposes, the foregoing description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. There are and will be other examples and modifications within the scope of the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A firearm magazine comprising: a magazine body comprising a lip at an end of the magazine body; and a base plate comprising at least one moveable latch configured to engage with the lip to couple the base plate to the magazine body.
 2. The firearm magazine of claim 1, wherein the base plate comprises two movable latches, each configured to engage with a respective lip on the magazine body.
 3. The firearm magazine of claim 1, wherein the base plate further comprises a spring arranged to bias a coupling portion of the latch into engagement with the lip.
 4. The firearm magazine of claim 3, wherein the spring is disposed between a portion of the latch and an inner surface of the base plate.
 5. The firearm magazine of claim 1, wherein the latch is configured to pivot about a pin to engage and disengage with the lip.
 6. The firearm magazine of claim 1, wherein the lip is a flange extending from a bottom end of the magazine body.
 7. The firearm magazine of claim 1, wherein a portion of the magazine body is disposed within a cavity defined by a wall of the base plate with the base plate coupled to the magazine body.
 8. The firearm magazine of claim 1, wherein the base plate comprises a wall that define a cavity, and wherein the end of the magazine body is disposed within the cavity with the base plate coupled to the magazine body.
 9. The firearm magazine of claim 8, wherein the latch is coupled to the wall.
 10. The firearm magazine of claim 1, wherein the base plate is configured to extend a cartridge capacity of the firearm magazine.
 11. A base plate for a firearm magazine comprising at least one moveable latch configured to engage with a lip on an end of a magazine body to couple the base plate to the magazine body.
 12. The base plate of claim 11, wherein the base plate further comprises a spring arranged to bias a coupling portion of the latch into engagement with the lip.
 13. The base plate of claim 12, wherein the spring is disposed between a portion of the latch and an inner surface of the base plate.
 14. The base plate of claim 11, wherein the latch is configured to pivot about an axis to engage and disengage with the lip.
 15. The base plate of claim 11, wherein the lip is a flange extending from a bottom end of the magazine body.
 16. The base plate of claim 11, wherein a portion of the magazine body is disposed within a cavity defined by a wall of the base plate with the base plate coupled to the magazine body.
 17. The base plate of claim 11, wherein the base plate comprises a wall that defines a cavity, and wherein the end of the magazine body is disposed within the cavity with the base plate coupled to the magazine body.
 18. The base plate of claim 17, wherein the latch is coupled to the wall.
 19. The base plate of claim 11, wherein the base plate is configured to extend a cartridge capacity of the firearm magazine.
 20. A firearm magazine comprising: a magazine body comprising a lip at an end of the magazine body; and a base plate comprising means for coupling the base plate to the magazine body by releasably engaging with the lip. 